As the Stanley Cup Playoffs progress into the second round, teams that missed the postseason are actively making changes within their front offices and coaching staffs.
The newest whispers around the league were discussed by Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on a recent installment of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast.” This weekly show, hosted by Friedman and Bukauskas, offers extensive insights into the world of hockey news and features interviews.
Could Foote Lead the Canucks?
The Vancouver Canucks are searching for a new head coach, and a potential candidate might already be within their organization. Elliotte Friedman suggests that Adam Foote, who previously served as an assistant under former Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, is a strong possibility for the top job. The team`s captain, Quinn Hughes, might also play a role in the decision.
“He`s very intelligent, that`s the primary point,” Friedman noted. “But second, I`m interested to see if this would be something Quinn Hughes would support. They have a good relationship.”
Friedman added that Foote has been instrumental in Hughes` development as a player, providing valuable advice, and they communicate effectively. This strong connection, combined with Foote`s hockey knowledge, could place him high on Vancouver`s list of candidates.
Foote`s extensive career included 19 NHL seasons and two Stanley Cup victories with the Colorado Avalanche. After retiring, he worked as a development consultant for the Avalanche and later coached the WHL`s Kelowna Rockets for parts of two seasons. He joined the Canucks` staff in January 2023 when Tocchet was hired.
The Canucks recently announced that Tocchet would not be returning for the next season. Despite Tocchet winning the Jack Adams Award last year, the team had a challenging campaign this year, finishing with a 38-30-14 record and missing the playoffs by six points.
Update on Ducks and Quenneville
News regarding the Anaheim Ducks` potential interest in Joel Quenneville for their head coaching position could surface soon – possibly this week.
“I anticipate we`ll get clarity this week on whether this is a serious possibility,” Friedman stated. “We should have a good indication this week if Quenneville and the Ducks are a potential match, or if either party will explore other options.”
Quenneville is a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 66-year-old was previously barred from working in the NHL for over two years due to his handling of a 2010 sexual assault allegation within the Blackhawks organization. He was reinstated by the league last July.
The Ducks saw an improvement of 21 points in the standings this season (from 59 to 80) but still finished far from a playoff spot, leading to the dismissal of head coach Greg Cronin.
Is a Caps Assistant in the Mix?
Mitch Love is another name frequently mentioned in coaching discussions, according to Friedman.
The 40-year-old currently serves as an assistant coach for Spencer Carbery with the Washington Capitals, who are competing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I`ve heard that some teams are interested in speaking with him,” Friedman commented, “but they might have to wait until the Capitals` season concludes, unless the Capitals are willing to allow him to interview between playoff rounds if they continue to advance.”
Before joining the Capitals, Love had significant success as a head coach in the AHL with the Calgary Flames` affiliates, the Stockton Heat (2021-22) and Calgary Wranglers (2022-23), earning coach of the year honors in both seasons. He also coached in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips (as an assistant) and the Saskatoon Blades (as head coach).
His previous connection to Everett, near Seattle, could make him a candidate for the Kraken, but Friedman believes other teams might also consider Love.
“I wonder if Pittsburgh is seeking a younger coach to develop alongside their roster,” Friedman speculated. “He seems like a candidate who would fit that profile. That`s a name I believe is on several teams` shortlists.”
Who`s Next as Islanders GM?
The search for a new general manager for the New York Islanders is reportedly intensifying.
The team decided not to extend Lou Lamoriello`s contract after his seven-year tenure.
“There was considerable talk over the weekend about a potential hire,” Friedman shared. “We`ll see how that develops. I can see why that possibility exists, because some strong contenders, like Jarmo Kekalainen, are available immediately.”
Kekalainen served as the Columbus Blue Jackets` GM from 2013 to 2024 and has also worked within the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues organizations. Marc Bergevin, the former Montreal Canadiens GM who is now a senior adviser for the Los Angeles Kings, is another name being discussed.
“A few people told me that was premature, but I genuinely believe Bergevin is a serious candidate there,” Friedman added. “I`d hesitate to guess about the Islanders` process because Lamoriello is still involved, which implies a high degree of secrecy. However, I do think Bergevin is a strong contender.”
Sullivan Lands Quickly
Mike Sullivan was not unemployed for long. The New York Rangers hired Sullivan as their head coach just four days after he departed from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
According to Friedman, Sullivan signed a five-year contract with the Rangers. While the total value doesn`t surpass Mike Babcock`s previous record contract with Toronto, Friedman learned that Sullivan`s average annual value is higher, indicating he has “moved the bar” for coaching salaries.
The 57-year-old coached the Penguins for ten seasons, leading them to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
With the Penguins missing the playoffs for three consecutive years and entering a rebuilding phase, Friedman suggested it was the right time for Sullivan to move on. The timing worked perfectly, as the Rangers were in need of a coach.
“As we`ve mentioned on the podcast, the Rangers couldn`t afford to let anyone else hire Mike Sullivan,” Friedman said. “He will clearly be well-compensated, but he will also be revitalized.”
Friedman reflected on personal experience: “There have been times I`ve changed jobs where I was content, only to look back later and realize how much I needed that change. He will be rejuvenated by this opportunity. I always try to share that perspective – sometimes a situation seems like an ending, but it can lead to something positive, and sometimes, as I`ve learned myself, a change is necessary even if you don`t immediately realize it. I strongly believe in that kind of thinking.”
Tristan Blackwood